Menomonie, Wisconsin, stands as a testament to the perfect blend of community charm and modern living. This delightful town offers a quality of life that captivates residents and visitors alike, setting the stage for a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. With a population just shy of 17,000, Menomonie is large enough to offer diverse opportunities yet
small enough to maintain a close-knit sense of belonging.
Nature lovers will revel in its picturesque outdoor spaces, such as Lake Menomin and the Red Cedar State Trail, perfect for exploring, biking, or a leisurely family picnic. The town’s heart beats strongly with local pride, seen in community events like arts festivals and farmer’s markets. Such gatherings foster a sense of unity and celebration among all who
4 | HelloMenomonie, Wisconsin • Winter Issue
Hello Menomonie, Wisconsin • Winter Issue |5
Menomonie, Wisconsin
participate.
Education and innovation thrive here, thanks to the presence of the University of Wisconsin-Stout. The university injects youthful energy and innovative ideas into the town, enriching both the cultural fabric and economic landscape.
Whether you're indulging in culinary delights at local eateries, shopping in unique downtown boutiques, or simply enjoying the scenic views, Menomonie promises a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. It's more than just a place to live; it's a community where people grow together.
Menomonie, Wisconsin: A Vibrant Community with a Warm Heart
Menomonie, Wisconsin, stands as a testament to the perfect blend of community charm and modern living. This delightful town offers a quality of life that captivates residents and visitors alike, setting the stage for a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. With a population just shy of 17,000, Menomonie is large enough to offer diverse opportunities yet small enough to maintain a close-knit sense of belonging.
Nature lovers will revel in its picturesque outdoor spaces, such as Lake Menomin and the Red Cedar State Trail, perfect for exploring, biking, or a leisurely family picnic. The town’s heart beats strongly with local pride, seen in community events like arts festivals and farmer’s markets. Such gatherings foster a sense of unity and celebration among all who participate.
Education and innovation thrive here, thanks to the presence of the University of Wisconsin-Stout. The university injects youthful energy and innovative ideas into the town, enriching both the cultural fabric and economic landscape.
Whether you're indulging in culinary delights at local eateries, shopping in unique downtown boutiques, or simply enjoying the scenic views, Menomonie promises a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. It's more than just a place to live; it's a community where people grow together.
Choosing Between Burial and Cremation
The decision between burial and cremation is often shaped by personal, familial, and cultural considerations. While both options are widely accepted and dignified, each carries its own set of implications that warrant careful thought. Understanding the distinctions can help families make a decision that
aligns with their values and expectations.Burial remains the more traditional practice, often involving a graveside service, a casket, and interment in a cemetery. For some, the permanence of a burial site offers a place of reflection and continuity across generations. Burial may also be
6 | HelloMenomonie, Wisconsin • Winter Issue
Choosing Between Burial and Cremation
The decision between burial and cremation is often shaped by personal, familial, and cultural considerations. While both options are widely accepted and dignified, each carries its own set of implications that warrant careful thought. Understanding the distinctions can help families make a decision that aligns with their values and expectations. Burial remains the more traditional practice, often involving a graveside service, a casket, and interment in a cemetery. For some, the permanence of a burial site offers a place of reflection and continuity across generations. Burial may also be influenced by religious customs or family precedent. Cremation, by contrast, has become increasingly common due to its flexibility and, in some cases, its affordability. Cremated remains can be kept in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or incorporated into memorial objects. It allows for a wider range of memorial timing and location, which can be helpful for families who are geographically dispersed or prefer less formal gatherings. There is no single correct choice between burial and cremation; what matters most is selecting the option that best reflects the individual’s values and the family's needs. In both cases, it is wise to discuss these preferences before a death occurs. Pre-arrangement consultations allow families to explore both options in a thoughtful, unrushed manner. Funeral directors can offer insights into local practices, logistical details, and costs, helping families understand what to expect. Ultimately, the choice is not about conformity but about finding a method of remembrance that feels sincere. Whether one chooses burial or cremation, the goal is the same—to honor the life that was lived in a way that carries meaning for those left behind.
Ryan Olson
memorial timing and location, which can be helpful for families who are geographically dispersed or prefer less formal gatherings.There is no single correct choice between burial and cremation; what matters most is selecting the option that best reflects the individual’s values and the family's needs.In both cases, it is wise to discuss these preferences before a death occurs. Pre-arrangement consultations allow families to explore both options in a thoughtful, unrushed manner. Funeral directors can offer insights into local practices, logistical details, and costs, helping families understand what to expect....
influenced by religious customs or family precedent.Cremation, by contrast, has become increasingly common due to its flexibility and, in some cases, its affordability. Cremated remains can be kept in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or incorporated into memorial objects. It allows for a wider range of
There is no single correct choice between burial and cremation; what matters most is selecting the option that best reflects the ind...
About the Author
Ryan Olson is a fourth-generation member of the Olson Funeral Home family. A 2000 graduate of Milwaukee Area Technical College, he’s honored to serve the Menomonie community. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys mountain biking, lifting, and spending time with his wife Lori and their three children.
HelloMenomonie, Wisconsin • Winter Issue |7
Planning a Stress-Free Wedding: How Natural Settings Simplify the Big Day
A wedding day can feel overwhelming long before it arrives. Couples often face a long list of decisions, from decorating choices to vendor coordination, and each detail adds another layer of pressure. Many couples find that a natural wedding setting softens that pressure in ways they did not expect.
Outdoor venues provide a built-in backdrop that reduces tasks, simplifies logistics, and creates a calmer atmosphere for everyone involved. When a venue begins with natural beauty, the couple has fewer elements to manage and more room to enjoy the day.Natural scenery does a surprising amount of
8 | HelloMenomonie, Wisconsin • Winter Issue
Planning a Stress-Free Wedding: How Natural Settings Simplify the Big Day
A wedding day can feel overwhelming long before it arrives. Couples often face a long list of decisions, from decorating choices to vendor coordination, and each detail adds another layer of pressure. Many couples find that a natural wedding setting softens that pressure in ways they did not expect. Outdoor venues provide a built-in backdrop that reduces tasks, simplifies logistics, and creates a calmer atmosphere for everyone involved. When a venue begins with natural beauty, the couple has fewer elements to manage and more room to enjoy the day.
Natural scenery does a surprising amount of work on its own. If a venue sits among hills, woods, or open fields, the space already looks complete before a single decoration is added. Couples do not have to fill gaps with large floral installations or draping, because the setting offers visual interest in every direction. The landscape becomes part of the wedding design without extra effort. This saves time during planning and helps the couple keep their focus on meaningful choices rather than aesthetic pressure.
The feeling of spaciousness also affects the mood of the day. Open-air environments reduce the sense of crowding that can happen inside traditional venues. Guests spread out naturally, and the couple moves more comfortably between moments. Sunlight, fresh air, and wide views create a calm that indoor spaces rarely match. This calm atmosphere often becomes the reason many couples describe outdoor weddings as more relaxed from beginning to end. The open layout supports a slower pace, which encourages the couple and their guests to settle into each part of the day without feeling rushed.
Planning becomes simpler when the venue itself provides the foundation for the wedding’s look and flow. Without the need to transform a space, couples avoid weeks of comparing decor, building design boards, or selecting lighting rentals. Instead, they choose a few personal touches that complement what is already there. Natural settings feel cohesive without much effort, which removes many of the small tasks that usually strain timelines. This sense of simplicity often becomes one of the most valued parts of planning a wedding outdoors.
Logistics also becomes more manageable. Outdoor venues often offer accessible spaces for vendor setup and movement. Photographers, caterers, and musicians appreciate clear paths, flexible layouts, and open staging areas. When vendors work in supportive conditions, the entire event feels smoother. The couple does not spend their day answering questions or solving unexpected problems. Instead, they move through a carefully prepared space that encourages a steady, comfortable rhythm. Over time, many couples come to realize that smoother logistics result in a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
The flow of the event benefits from this openness as well. Guests transition easily from ceremony to cocktails or dinner because the layout usually feels intuitive. Natural venues tend to connect their spaces through paths, lawns, and scenic sections rather than separate rooms. Without strict transitions or heavy direction, the day unfolds with less tension. Couples spend more time experiencing the moment and less time coordinating movement. This gentle flow can shape the entire character of the event and help create memories that feel both relaxed and meaningful.
Weather can influence outdoor weddings, but many natural venues solve this concern with built-in shelter options. Barn structures, covered patios, and shaded tree areas offer comfortable alternatives that stay consistent with the outdoor setting. Couples can shift the schedule or move the ceremony without changing the overall look or mood. This continuity keeps stress levels low, even when weather conditions require small adjustments. Many couples feel more confident knowing that the backup plan still fits the tone they envisioned. It becomes easier to accept the possibility of changes when the alternatives remain beautiful and cohesive.
Photography becomes easier in natural settings as well. Soft daylight, textured backgrounds, and open views help photographers capture genuine moments without staging elaborate scenes. They rely on the existing environment, which results in images that feel timeless and authentic. Couples enjoy this benefit long after the wedding day, because the photos reflect a setting that felt natural rather than manufactured. These conditions often allow photographers to work quietly and efficiently, which supports the relaxed feeling of the entire event.
The emotional effect of a natural venue should not be overlooked. Guests relax when they are surrounded by open air and comfortable scenery. Vendors work with more freedom. The couple senses that the environment supports their day instead of demanding attention. Planning feels smoother, the schedule feels lighter, and the celebration feels grounded in a way that is difficult to recreate indoors. A natural setting becomes more than a backdrop; it becomes a source of calm that shapes the entire experience and leaves a lasting impression on everyone present.
When a wedding takes place outdoors, the couple often notices a shift in how they approach the day. They worry less about perfection and more about presence. The landscape sets the tone, the space reduces pressure, and the moments unfold without force. In a time when many weddings feel packed with decisions and expectations, a natural environment offers something simple: room to breathe.
Teresa Olson
design without extra effort. This saves time during planning and helps the couple keep their focus on meaningful choices rather than aesthetic pressure.The feeling of spaciousness also affects the mood of the day. Open-air environments reduce the sense of crowding that can happen inside traditional venues. Guests spread out naturally, and the couple moves more comfortably between moments. Sunlight, fresh air, and wide views create a calm that indoor spaces rarely match. This calm atmosphere often becomes the reason many couples describe outdoor weddings as more relaxed from beginning to end. The open layout supports a slower pace...
work on its own. If a venue sits among hills, woods, or open fields, the space already looks complete before a single decoration is added. Couples do not have to fill gaps with large floral installations or draping, because the setting offers visual interest in every direction. The landscape becomes part of the wedding
This calm atmosphere often becomes the reason many couples describe outdoor weddings as more relaxed from beginning to end.
About the Author
Teresa Olson began her career managing two hotels and a conference center before spending three decades as a wedding and event coordinator across multiple venues. She is passionate about bringing people’s dreams to life and takes pride in planning unforgettable celebrations.
Fun Fact: In her spare time, Teresa enjoys fishing for panfish and walleye.
